Hardisty then capped an excellent day’s work with 64 not out from just 63 balls after openers Jon Millward (38) and Tom Croston (35) had laid solid foundations, Birstwith reaching their victory target with 10 balls to spare.

Burton Leonard remain hot on the heels of the early pacesetters, courtesy of a comfortable triumph at home to struggling Alne.

Matt Rangeley’s 53 was the top score, while in-form Dan Thirkell struck 45 as the high-flyers posted 240 all out, Toby Stirke and Rich Henley taking three wickets apiece for the men from the Magic Circle.

In reply, opening bat Tom Jackson made his way to 44 and Chris Beaumont hit 39, but Alne were unable to record a first victory of the campaign as they were dismissed for 181, Tom Stanley helping himself to 4-43.

Ouseburn got back to winning ways with a 61-run success at Darley.

Having lost their previous two fixtures, 2016’s champions showed decent form with the willow in hand, compiling 191 thanks to 58 from Sam Parker and Ben Mackrill’s undefeated 40.

Michael Beecroft bagged four wickets for Darley, but their run-chase fell well short at 130 all out, despite a second-wicket stand of 99 between Chris Gill (55) and Gary Muff (46) that took them to 109/2.

A stunning five-wicket haul from Chris Morrison (5-19), combined with Mackrill’s 4-51, saw Rob Hainsworth’s troops collapse in spectacular fashion, however, and the away side recorded a much-needed victory.

Knaresborough Forest suffered a fourth defeat on the bounce when they were bowled out for 122 on the road at Helperby.

Opener Aaron Brunner (60) was once again in decent from with the bat, but received little in the way of support from his Forest teammates as Matt Cavanagh took 3-18.

Dylan Steyn then made 77 not out as Helperby knocked off the required runs for the loss of just one wicket.

Masham’s 200 all out proved sufficient for them to overcome Hampsthwaite (156) away from home.

Dacre Banks are now the only side in Division Two with a 100 per cent record still intact after they ended Studley Royal’s winning start to the season.

Skipper Tim Carrington must have feared the worst, however, after Banks were sent on their way with just 92 on the scoreboard, Jack Bloodgood returning figures of 4-15 and Tom Hixon and Olly Schofield effecting a trio of dismissals each.

Things looked even bleaker for the side in pole position when Royal made it to 54/2, but fabulous bowling from Mitchell Hearn (5-4) and Waqas Rasheed (4-30) saw them somehow back in the pavilion with only 78 runs to their name.

A fine century from Will Cunningham helped Scotton moved up to third in the league table when they saw off Newby Hall.

The Aussie opener made 100 from 73 balls, hitting 16 fours in his innings while Callum Halliday struck an unbeaten 51 as the visitors got to 199/2 in reply to Hall’s 193/6.